'Tom' by Robert Service
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That Tom was poor was sure a pity,
Such guts for learning had the lad;
He took to Greek like babe to titty,
And he was mathematic mad.
I loved to prime him up with knowledge,
A brighter lad I never knew;
I dreamed that he would go to college
And there be honoured too.
But no! His Dad said, "Son, I need you
To keep the kettle on the boil;
No longer can I clothe and feed you,
Buy study books and midnight oil.
I carry on as best I'm able,
A humble tailor, as you know;
And you must squat cross-legged a table
And learn to snip and sew."
And that is what poor Tom is doing.
He bravely makes the best of it;
But as he "fits" you he is knowing
That he himself is a misfit;
And thinks as he fulfils his calling,
With patient heart yet deep distaste,
Like clippings from his shears down-falling,
--He, too, is Waste.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tom by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, where do I even begin with Robert Service’s classic poem, Tom? This piece of literature is truly a masterpiece that is so rich in imagery, symbolism, and emotion that it leaves me absolutely speechless. But as a literary critic, it is my job to dive deeper into the text and uncover the hidden meanings and themes that make this poem such a timeless work of art.
An Overview of Tom
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of Tom, let’s take a step back and look at the poem as a whole.
Tom is a four-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme and meter that gives it a musical quality when read aloud. The poem tells the story of a man named Tom who goes out into the wilderness to live a solitary life in the mountains. As the poem progresses, we see how Tom’s isolation affects him both physically and mentally until he ultimately dies alone in his cabin.
On the surface, Tom may seem like a simple story about a man who chooses to live off the grid, but there is so much more going on beneath the surface.
The Themes of Tom
One of the most prominent themes in Tom is the idea of isolation and its effects on the human psyche. Throughout the poem, we see how Tom’s solitude slowly drives him mad. He becomes obsessed with the sounds of nature and starts to see things that aren’t there.
"And the hush was so deep you could hear your heart beat,
And the sky was so near you could touch it with your hand,
And the dawn came up like thunder outer China 'crost the bay!"
These lines show how Tom’s senses are heightened by his isolation, making him hyper-aware of his surroundings. But as time goes on, this heightened awareness turns into paranoia and delusion.
"And he saw the camps of the trappers, and he heard the tramp of feet,
And he felt the pangs of hunger that are keener than a knife,
And he heard the rifle volley that just wipes an outlaw out,"
These lines illustrate how Tom’s mind starts playing tricks on him. He begins to imagine things that aren’t real and becomes consumed by his own fears and anxieties.
Another theme that emerges in Tom is the idea of man versus nature. Throughout the poem, we see how Tom is constantly battling the harsh environment around him. He must fend for himself, hunting for food and chopping wood for warmth. But ultimately, nature proves to be too much for him, as he dies alone in his cabin, surrounded by the wilderness he tried so hard to conquer.
"He died alone in God's half-acre -
Oh, the poor, the poor! They loved him so -
They dug his grave and laid him in it,
And over his bones the green grass grow."
These lines are so poignant and heartbreaking. They show how even though Tom tried his best to survive in the wilderness, he was ultimately no match for nature’s power.
The Imagery and Symbolism in Tom
One of the things that makes Tom such a powerful poem is the vivid imagery and symbolism used throughout. Service’s use of descriptive language allows us to see the world through Tom’s eyes and experience the beauty and terror of the natural world.
For example, consider the following lines:
"And the sun went down, and the stars came out, far over the summer sea,
But never a moment ceased the fight of the one and the fifty-three."
These lines are so evocative and beautiful. They transport us to the edge of the world where the land meets the sea, and we can imagine the breathtaking beauty of the sunset and the stars. But at the same time, the imagery is tinged with danger and foreboding, as Tom continues to battle the wilderness around him.
In addition to the imagery, there are also several symbols in Tom that add to its depth and complexity. Perhaps the most significant symbol is Tom’s cabin itself. On one level, the cabin represents Tom’s desire for solitude and his attempt to escape the pressures of civilization. But on a deeper level, the cabin represents the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s power. Tom may have built his cabin with his own two hands, but ultimately, it is no match for the harsh winter winds and snowstorms that batter it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tom is a truly remarkable poem that explores themes of isolation, man versus nature, and the fragility of human existence. Service’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism adds to the poem’s depth and complexity, making it a timeless work of art. As a literary critic, I am in awe of the power and beauty of this poem, and I can only hope that others will appreciate it as much as I do.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tom, the classic poem written by Robert Service, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that tells the story of a man who is determined to live life on his own terms, regardless of the consequences. The poem is a celebration of individualism, courage, and the human spirit.
The poem begins with the introduction of Tom, a man who is described as being "a man's man." He is a rugged individualist who is not afraid to take risks and live life to the fullest. Tom is a man who is not content with the status quo and is always looking for new challenges and adventures.
The poem then goes on to describe Tom's journey through life. He travels the world, experiencing all that it has to offer. He climbs mountains, sails the seas, and explores the wilderness. He is a man who is always on the move, never content to stay in one place for too long.
Throughout the poem, Tom is portrayed as a man who is fearless and unafraid of danger. He faces challenges head-on and never backs down from a fight. He is a man who is always willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against the norm.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality. Tom is aware that his time on earth is limited and that he must make the most of it. He is not afraid of death, but rather embraces it as a natural part of life. He knows that he will not live forever, but he is determined to make his mark on the world before he goes.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors brings Tom's story to life. The poem is filled with descriptions of the natural world, from the "purple peaks" of the mountains to the "wild white horses" of the sea. These descriptions create a sense of awe and wonder, and help to convey the sense of adventure and excitement that Tom experiences.
The poem also uses repetition to great effect. The phrase "Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum. This repetition helps to reinforce the idea that Tom is always on the move, and that his life is a constant journey.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which tells a different part of Tom's story. The first stanza introduces Tom and sets the scene, while the second and third stanzas describe his adventures. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Tom reflecting on his life and his legacy.
In conclusion, Tom is a classic poem that celebrates the human spirit and the power of individualism. It tells the story of a man who is determined to live life on his own terms, and who is not afraid to take risks and face challenges. The poem's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and repetition creates a sense of adventure and excitement, and helps to convey the sense of awe and wonder that Tom experiences. Robert Service's masterful use of language and structure make Tom a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
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